Mark 4:37

And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full.

And {G2532} there arose {G1096} a great {G3173} storm {G2978} of wind {G417}, and {G1161} the waves {G2949} beat {G1911} into {G1519} the ship {G4143}, so that {G5620} it {G846} was {G1072} now {G2235} full {G1072}.

A furious windstorm arose, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was close to being swamped.

Soon a violent windstorm came up, and the waves were breaking over the boat, so that it was being swamped.

And there ariseth a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the boat, insomuch that the boat was now filling.

Commentary

Context of Mark 4:37

This verse describes a pivotal moment during Jesus' ministry, immediately following a day of extensive teaching by the Sea of Galilee. After delivering several parables, including the Parable of the Sower and the Parable of the Mustard Seed, Jesus suggested to His disciples that they cross to the other side of the lake. The Sea of Galilee, known for its sudden and violent squalls due to its location below sea level and surrounding hills, often experienced such dramatic weather changes. This particular incident highlights the vulnerability of the disciples in their small fishing boat, even as the Lord of creation was present with them.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Suddenness of Trials: The phrase "And there arose a great storm" emphasizes how quickly life's challenges can appear, often when least expected. This storm wasn't a gradual development but a sudden, overwhelming force.
  • Overwhelming Danger: The description of "waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full" vividly portrays the immediate and life-threatening danger the disciples faced. It wasn't just a heavy rain, but a situation where the boat was rapidly filling with water, threatening to sink. This highlights the human experience of feeling overwhelmed by circumstances.
  • Jesus' Humanity and Presence: While not directly stated in this verse, the preceding context shows Jesus sleeping in the boat's stern. This detail, revealed in the subsequent verses, underscores His true humanity—He experienced weariness like any person. Yet, His very presence in the boat, even while sleeping, was the ultimate source of security, though the disciples initially failed to grasp this.
  • The Power of Nature: This verse powerfully illustrates the raw, untamed force of nature, which can easily overpower human efforts and technology. It sets the stage for the miraculous demonstration of divine power that follows.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek phrase for "great storm of wind" is lailaps megalē anemou (λαῖλαψ μεγάλη ἀνέμου). Lailaps specifically refers to a sudden, violent squall or whirlwind, emphasizing the abrupt and intense nature of the storm. It was not merely a strong wind but a tempest that generated massive waves, causing them to "beat into the ship" (epiballein ta kymata), signifying the relentless pounding and ingress of water that quickly filled the vessel to a critical level, making it "now full" (hēdē gemizesthai).

Practical Application

Mark 4:37 serves as a powerful reminder that "storms" are an inevitable part of life's journey, whether they are literal dangers, personal crises, financial struggles, or emotional turmoil. Just as the disciples found themselves in a perilous situation, we too can feel overwhelmed and as if our "ship" is filling up. This verse encourages us to remember that even in the midst of the most terrifying circumstances, Jesus is present with us, even if He seems "asleep" or distant. Our focus should shift from the magnitude of the storm to the power of Christ to bring peace and calm, both to our external circumstances and to our internal fears. It challenges us to cultivate a faith that trusts in His presence and sovereignty, even when the waves are crashing in.

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Cross-References

  • Matthew 8:23 (7 votes)

    ¶ And when he was entered into a ship, his disciples followed him.

  • Matthew 8:24 (7 votes)

    And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves: but he was asleep.

  • Job 1:19 (6 votes)

    And, behold, there came a great wind from the wilderness, and smote the four corners of the house, and it fell upon the young men, and they are dead; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee.

  • Luke 8:22 (5 votes)

    ¶ Now it came to pass on a certain day, that he went into a ship with his disciples: and he said unto them, Let us go over unto the other side of the lake. And they launched forth.

  • Luke 8:23 (5 votes)

    But as they sailed he fell asleep: and there came down a storm of wind on the lake; and they were filled [with water], and were in jeopardy.

  • Psalms 107:23 (4 votes)

    ¶ They that go down to the sea in ships, that do business in great waters;

  • Psalms 107:31 (4 votes)

    Oh that [men] would praise the LORD [for] his goodness, and [for] his wonderful works to the children of men!